Anthem representatives argued the company needs more money to cover rising claim costs triggered by longer hospital stays, new and expensive prescription drugs, advanced technologies and an aging population. The company said wasteful health care spending, defensive medicine, unnecessary hospital admissions and medical errors are also driving up costs.

Anthem representatives said the "volatility" of claim costs made it impossible to determine how much the company would make in profits with the proposed rate increases.

The company made $225 million in profits in 2008, according to financial statements that were submitted as part of the proceedings.

Representatives said they didn't have estimates on how many current insurance clients might forgo health insurance altogether if the company's rates increase.

Seven members of the public spoke, all against the price increases. Two witnesses brought by Blumenthal and Vicki Veltri, the state's Heathcare Advocate general counsel, both said they couldn't afford insurance if the price went up.

The Insurance Department plans to issue a decision within 30 days, according to spokeswoman Dawn McDaniel. If the request is approved, members will be notified by mail 30 to 45 days before the rate increases, Anthem representatives said.